threestrandswdw

We made an early run at Animal Kingdom today. It was quiet, at first. Another testimony about the importance of making Rope Drop. During the stroll through the Oasis, we came upon several species of Macaw, an Iguana that was huge, and an anteater just to name a few. We made our way to Kilimanjaro Safari where we were almost immediately boarded for a jungle trek across African wildlife habitats. We saw rare Rhinos, some Giraffe, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and a host of other animals indigenous to the continent.

Similar was an interesting time. Primeval Whirl was a big hit with the kids riding it three times. TriceriTop Spin was fun for a few rides, and Dinosaur was quite an unexpected thrill with all the quick turns and simulated road conditions.

Off to Expedition Everest, which the wife snuck a ride while getting FastPasses, for the ladies of the family. She caught a few more rides later in the day by using the Single rider lane. A ride on the Wildlife Express brought us to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. The “hospital” is really something quite special. The return train ride brought back just in time to head to Yak and Yeti for lunch. The meals were abundant, but the service was nothing out of the ordinary.

We finished the day out with a meet up of some special Liner friends for the Yeehaa Bob Show. The show was really good. Bob is an talented, and somewhat off the cuff, performer with a clean, family safe presentation. If you come to WDW, make the time to see his show Wednesday – Saturday starting at 8:30pm.

Tomorrow, Walt’s original, EPCOT Center! Stay tuned…

Yeehaa Bob

Our day blasted off in style! We were an hour early to The Magic Kingdom. As we entered, we headed straight to Tomorrowland, where we spent a good portion of our day because we really like the rides in this area. First was supposed to be Astro Orbiter, but it was broken. So, my DW and kids headed to Space Mountain. DW and DDs rode twice, and at the time of this report, DW and DD11 are riding a third time.  TTA a few times, then back to Fantasyland to ride Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, and the Carousel.

It was time for lunch and we chose Casey’s corner. The hot dogs were pretty good, but the buns were a bit on the heavy side.

Back to the rides…Carousel of Progress impressed my kids, especially my DS.  Buzz was a blast and Monsters, Inc. laugh floor was a real cut up.  DW and DD9 went to the speedway, and then the big one, Splash Mountain. What a rush that turned out to be, I got a shirt to remeber the experience. (picture to follow).

Dinner was at O’hana and it was spectacular! The food just kept showing up at the table. I am really glad we are on DDP or we would never have eaten there.  The spicing of the food and the hardwood grill are worthy of the palate.

DS decided to part company and went for a swim while the rest of us ventured back into the MK. We rode TTA again, saw Magic, the Memories and You and Wishes. The shows are so much better live than on You Tube anyday!  A little stop in the emporium and we are back at the resort for a quick swim and a well earned night’s sleep.

Mission complete! Tomorrow, Animal Kingdom rope drop.

Good-night..zzzzzzzz.

Well, our day had a very magical beginning. Our flight got an early start, resulting in a very early arrival in Orlando. Found Disney’s Magical Express, and were wisked away to Port Orleans Resort – Riverside in just about an hour. A quick bite, and we were headed to the Magic Kingdom.

We rode It’s a Small World first, followed by THE Haunted Mansion, the Hall of Presidents, Mickey.’ Philharmagic, Peter Pan with a fastpass, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tiki Room,  and Jungle Cruise.

Dinner was at the Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh and Friends. While the meal was short of spectacular, our waiter, Kip, was entertaining and efficient. Character interaction was a definite highlight of the evening. Pictures all come at the end of the journey.

One final note…make use of all the PhotoPass people you can find. They are everywhere and quite good at creating some extra magic.

Tomorrow, Magic Kingdom, Part Deux.

 

In Orlando! Great flight. We are headed to Magical Express and Port Orleans – Riverside. MK by 1pm.

Well, this is the last day at work until February 13. Tomorrow begins the task of packing for 2 adults and three kids. DS is pretty much packed, but the rest of us haven’t started. Not bad considering he is not the most enthusiastic about the trip. I am still contemplating taking the computer to put pics on the blog. I’ll decide tomorrow.

It is my prayer that our travels go smoothly and without much incident.  Stay tuned!

We are 4 days away from Walt Disney World.  The excitement builds as we grow closer to departure.  It is our hope that you will follow our adventures through this blog. It will be the easiest way for us to share the fun with all of you. We will begin updates upon arriving to the airport. God Bless!

40 Days to the world, and I can not wait!  Praying that the weather allows us to get out of here, after that I don’t care!